Package applicator



Sept. 28, 1965 M. PAULSON 3,

PACKAGE APPLICATOR Filed April 17, 1964 INVENTOR STANLEY M. PAULSON Agent United States Patent 3,208,640 PACKAGE APPLICATOR Stanley M. Paulson, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, assignor to Weed Master (Western) Ltd., Calgary, Alberta, Canada, a company of Canada Filed Apr. 17, 1964, Ser. No. 360,672 Claims. ('Cl. 222-94) This invention relates to commodity merchandising, mixing and dispensing packages. It is particularly directed to packages suitable for merchandising powdered solids, liquid concentrates and the like commodities, mixing said commodities with a liquid solvent or diluent. and gispensing said commodities in a dissolved or diluted orm.

Many commodities such as, for example, weed killers are merchandised in the form of powder or liquid concent-rates which are packaged in rigid glass, metal or plastic containers. The container for merchandising the commodity cannot be used for subsequently dispensing the commodity in its dissolved or diluted form and a second container must be employed for mixing and application. Accordingly, immediately prior to use each powder or liquid concentrate commodity is transferred to the second container, such as a pressure or gravity sprayer, and a measured quantity of a liquid such as water is added for mixing with the commodity to obtain the desired degree of dissolution or dilution preparatory to application as an aqueous spray.

This procedure results in a number of disadvantages in that a plurality of containers are required for merchandising, mixing and applying the commodity. The transfer of the concentrate from the first container to the second container often results in spillage and, in the case of toxic or the like noxious materials, exposes the user to the hazards of accidental inhalation or contact with eyes and skin.

In like manner, commodities such as medicines and nutriments are merchandised as powders or concentrated liquids which are dissolved or diluted by mixing with a liquid prior to consumption. A plurality of containers are required and the container used for mixing and dispensing the commodity must be sterilized prior to use. Also, it is frequently necessary to dispense the commodity by injection under slight pressure and a third container is required for application after mixing of the commodity with a liquid.

The package structure of the present invention substantially avoids the above disadvantages permitting use of the package for merchandising a commodity, mixing the commodity with a liquid for dissolution or dilution to the desired degree, the subsequent application of the commodity as a controlled spray or jet. The use of a transparent package material permits the purchaser to visually inspect the commodity at the time it is purchased and enables the user to observe mixing of the commodity with a liquid preparatory to its application. The addition of a measured quantity of a liquid such as water to the package is readily achieved with minimum danger of accidental spillage and waste of the commodity. The package can be discarded once its contents have been discharged thereby avoiding the need for a plurality of containers which normally must be cleanedimmediately prior to use.

It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to provide an improved package structure which is suitable for merchandising, mixing and subsequently applying, in spray or the like form, various commodities.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hygienic package structure which is simple and durable in construction and which can be quickly and readily 3,208,640 Patented Sept. 28, 1965 fabricated from a flexible plastic material by heat or pressure sealing techniques.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a package structure which readily permits the introduction of a measurable amount of a liquid to allow dissolution or dilution of the contents by mixing under controlled and sanitary conditions without the need for removal or transfer of the contents.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a transparent package structure which permits the visual inspection of its contents by the purchaser and user.

And another object of the invention is to provide a package structure which can be sealed during shipping and merchandising of its contents and during subsequent application of its contents in dissolved or diluted liquid form to minimize the hazard of physical contact by the user through spillage or the like escape of its contents, if toxic, andto ensure maintenance of hygienic conditions, if a medicine or nutriment.

And a still further object of the present invention is the provision of a package structure which is simple, efficient and practical in use and which can be employed by any unskilled person in a facile manner.

These and other objects of the invention and the manner in which they can be attained will become apparent from the following detailed description of the drawing, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention in its folded form suitable for shipping and merchandising of its contents, the broken lines illustrating the first step in the unfolding of the package;

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view, partly cut away, of the package in its fully opened position preparatory to the addition of a liquid such as water;

FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the package in its fully opened operative position wherein the liquid contents are being discharged as a spray; and

FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention.

Like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the description of the drawing.

With reference to the drawing, the package of the present invention comprises a rectangular bag-like structure designated generally by the numeral 10 formed of a sheet of flexible plastic material such as polyethylene, vinyl polymers and copolymers or the like folded along a medial line into two opposed halves 11 and 12 which are pressure or heat sealed along their co-extensive bottom edges 13, side edges 14, and a portion of their top edges 15 as illustrated most clearly in FIGURE 2. It may be preferred to use extruded plastic tubes which, of course, need be sealed only along their bottom and top edges 13 and 15 respectively. A diagonal opening 17 is formed in an upper corner of package 10 by removing a portion of the bag material. A length of adhesive strip 18 is secured to wall 12 adjacent opening 17 such that a portion 19 of strip 18 extends free of said wall material and the two ends of said strip, designated by numerals 21 and 22, extend beyond the package upper edges 15 and side edges 14 respectively for reasons which will become apparent as the description proceeds.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 3, a plurality of perforations 23 are formed in the opposite upper corner of package 10 in proximity to upper edges 15 along the medial line joining walls 11 and 12. It will be understood that perforations 23 are illustrative only of one embodiment of the present invention and that the use of a tubular extension 24 formed in the corresponding corner, as illustrated by FIGURE 4, may be preferred. Spout 24 can be formed in the corner of packsealing the co-extensive edge 25 of longitudinal extensions 26 of walls 11 and 12.

Perforations 23 and spout 24 preferably. are closed during storage and merchandising of the container and its contents. Perforations 23 can be closed by adhesively securing a flexible impervious tear-off seal 33 to the bag material over the said perforations. Spout 24 can be closed by heat or pressure sealing the free extremity 34 of said spout.

A line indicated by the numeral 32 is drawn across the interior of one or both walls 11 and 12 for indicating the quantity of a liquid Which can be added to the package by a valved pipe 27.

The structure of the present invention is useful for shipping and merchandising particulated solid materials and liquid concentrates by placing the commodity 28 in a compartment formed in the package as defined by imaginary transverse and longitudinal medial lines 29 and 30 respectively. The package, after insertion of its contents, is folded first along imaginary line 29 resulting in a package configuration as outlined by the solid and broken lines of FIGURE 1. The package is next folded crosswise about imaginary line 30 resulting in the package illustrated by the solid lines of FIGURE 1 having a plurality of compartments. It will be understood that two, four or more compartments can be formed within the package by folding the package as desired. The upper portion 19 of tape 18 is adhesively secured to the abutting portion of wall 11 thereby closing opening 17 and the extremities 21 and 22 of said tape 18 are wrapped about edges 15 and 14 respectively of the folded structure thereby maintaining the package in its folded position ready for shipping and merchandising.

When it is desired to use the contents of the package, tape extremities 21 and 22 are loosened and the package opened by unfolding in the directions indicated by the arrows in FIGURES 1 and 2 to assume the fully opened configuration illustrated in FIGURE 2. -A supply pipe 27 is inserted in opening 17 and water or the like liquid is introduced to the interior of the bag until it reaches the level of line 37. The position of line 32 will vary, of course, according to the size of the package, the quantity of the commodity contained therein, and the degree of dissolution or dilution required. Once the desired quantity of a liquid has been added to the package, portion 19 of tape 18 is folded across opening 17 and adhesively secured to the exterior of wall 11 thereby effectively closing and sealing the package to substantially obviate accidental spillage.

The contents 28 of the package can be mixed with the liquid added, the mixing step capable of being observed by the user to ensure that complete dissolution or dilution takes place. Once the contents 28 have been suitably mixed with the liquid, seal 33 is removed thereby opening perforations 23 and the solution can be applied in the manner indicated in FIGURE 3. Package is tilted such that the solution will be discharged by perforations 23 under the hydrostatic head of the liquid such that a uniform spray is obtained.

I have found that this package structure can also be advantageously utilized for merchandising, mixing and feeding medicines and nutriments to humans and animals. The structure can be adapted to this use by the simple expedient of substituting a spout 24 for perforations 23. The package containing the desired commodity is prepared, shipped and merchandised and the commodity, immediately prior to use, is prepared for application in the manner described in detail hereinabove. Spout 24 is opened by cutting or unsealing extremity 34 and is inserted in the recipients throat, the package being squeezed if necessary to create a pressure differential which will force the dissolved or diluted contents through said spout. This latter embodiment has been found useful, for example, in applying worming medicines, which are normally t 4 sold in powder form and dissolved in water prior to use, to animals such as dogs.

The present invention provides a number of important advantages. Particulated solid and liquid concentrates can be shipped and merchandised in compact, substantially flat packages having the desired indicia for advertising or identification printed on an exposed surface. The package can be opened to its fully operative configuration immediately prior to use and a liquid, such as water of a predetermined measurable amount, introduced for dissolution or dilution of the contents. The mixing step is observable thereby ensuring thorough and complete mixing takes place. The need for a plurality of containers and the inherent waste and troublesome spillage of the contents during transfer from one container to another is substantially avoided. The hazard of accidental contact by the user with toxic commodities is minized and the maintenance of hygienic conditions with medicinal and nutrient commodities enhanced. The contents in their dissolved or diluted form can be readily applied in the manner desired and the package discarded after use thereby obviating troublesome cleaning, sterilizing and storage of applicator vessels.

It will be understood, of course, that modifications can be made in the preferred embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein without departing from the scope and purview of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. A container adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materials comprising a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion formed of flexible deformable material, the said body portion adapted to be folded to form a plurality of compartments within the container, a first opening for admitting materials into the container, the said opening formed by the removal of a corner of the rectangularly shaped body portion, a second opening for dispensing the said materials from the container, an adhesive strip adjacent the first opening whereby the said opening may be closed and the said body portion may be secured in a folded configuration.

2. A container adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materials comprising a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion formed of flexible deformable material, the said body portion adapted to be folded to form a plurality of compartments within the container, a first opening for admitting materials into the container, the said opening formed by the removal of a corner of the rectangularly shaped body portion, a second opening for dispensing the said materials from the container, an adhesive strip adjacent the first opening whereby the said opening may be closed and the said body portion may be secured in a folded configuration and removable means for closing the said second opening.

3. A container adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materlias comprising a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion formed of flexible deformable material, the said body portion adapted to be folded to form a plurality of compartments within the container, a first opening for admitting materials into the container, the said opening formed by the removal of a corner of the rectangularly shaped body portion, a second opening for dispensing the said materials from the container, an adhesive strip adjacent the first opening whereby the said opening may be closed and the said body portion may be secured in a folded configuration, removable means for closing the said second opening, and indicia formed on the said body portion for indicating the quantity of materials to be admitted to the container.

4. A container adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materials comprising a generally flat rec. tangularly shaped body portion formed of flexible de formable sheet material selected from the group CQIlSiStr ing of transparent polyethylene and vinyl polymers and copolymers, the said body portion adapted to be folded to form a plurality of compartments within the container, a first opening for admitting materials into the container, the said opening formed by the removal of a corner of the rectangularly shaped body portion, a second opening for dispensing the said materials from the container, an adhesive strip adjacent the first opening whereby the said opening may be closed and the said body portion may be secured in a folded configuration, removable means for closing the said second opening and indicia formed on the said body portion for indicating the quantity of materials to be admitted to the container.

5. A container adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materials comprising a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion formed of flexible deformable material, the said body portion adapted to be folded to form a plurality of compartments within the container, a first opening for admitting materials into the container, the said opening formed by the removal of a corner of the rectangularly shaped body portion, a second opening for dispensing the said materials from the container, a closure means comprising an elongated adhesive strip secured to the body portion adjacent the said first opening such that a portion of the strip along its length and the extremities of the said strip extend free of the said body portion for removably securing the said body portion in its folded configuration and for closing the said first opening, removable means for closing the said second opening and indicia formed on the said body portion for indicating the quantity of materials to be admitted to the container.

6. A container adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materials comprising a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion formed of flexible deformable material, the said body portion adapted to be folded along a longitudinal medial line and a transverse medial line to form a plurality of compartments within the container, 21 first opening for admitting materials into the container, the said opening formed by the removal of a corner of the rectangularly shaped body portion, a second opening for dispensing the said materials from the container, an adhesive strip adjacent the first opening whereby the said opening may be closed and the said body portion may be secured in a folded configuration, removable means for closing the said second opening and indicia formed on the said body portion for indicating the quantity of materials to be admitted to the container.

7. A container adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materials comprising a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion formed of flexible deformable material, the said body portion adapted to be folded along a longitudinal medial line and a transverse medial line to form a plurality of compartments within the container, the said body portion having a corner removed diagonally to form a first opening, at least one second opening for dispensing the said materials from the container, a closure means comprising an elongated adhesive strip secured to the body portion adjacent the said first opening such that a portion of the strip along its length and the extremities of the said strip extend free of the said body portion for removably securing the said body portion in its folded configuration and for closing the said first opening, removable means for closing the said second opening, and indicia formed on the said body portion for indicating the quantity of materials to be admitted to the container.

8. A container formed of flexible deformable plastics material adapted for storing, mixing and dispensing fluid materials comprising a generally flat rectangularly shaped body portion having a top edge, a bottom edge and a pair of side edges, the said body portion adapted to be folded to form a plurality of compartments in the container by folding the container along a transverse medial line to superimpose the top edge and bottom edge of the container and thus to fold the container along a longitudinal medial line to superimpose the side edges, an opening for admission of fluid materials to the container formed by the removal along a diagonal of a corner formed by the juncture of the top edge and one of the side edges, a second opening for dispensing fluid materials from the container formed adjacent the top edge and the other of the side edges, a closure means comprising an elongated adhesive strip secured to the body portion of the container adjacent the diagonal opening and having an elongated portion and its ends extending beyond and free of the said body portion whereby when the container is folded to superimpose its top and bottom edges an external surface of the container abuts and is removably secured to the elongated free portion of the adhesive strip thereby effectively closing the diagonal opening and when the container is further folded to superimpose the side edges the free extending portions of the adhesive strip may be removably secured to an external surface of the container thereby retaining the container in a folded configuration.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8 including a removably securable adhesive means to close the second opening.

10. A container as claimed in claim 9 including an indicia for indicating the quantity of materials to be admitted to the container.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,125,318 9/38 Salfishberg 222-94 2,711,269 5/55 Snaith 22294 X 2,878,967 4/59 Duke 222l07 3,123,479 3/64 Drutt 9917l 3,144,931 8/64 Long 99l71 LOUIS J. DEMBO, Primary Examiner. HADD S. LANE, Examiner, 

1. A CONTAINER ADAPTED FOR STORING, MIXING AND DISPENSING FLUID MATERIALS COMPRISING A GENERALLY FLAT RECTANGULARLY SHAPED BODY PORTION FORMED OF FLEXIBLE DEFORMABLE MATERIAL, THE SAID BODY PORTION ADAPTED TO BE FOLDED TO FORM A PLURALITY OF COMPARTMENTS WITHIN THE CONTAINER, A FIRST OPENING FOR ADMITTING MATERIALS INTO THE CONTAINER, THE SAID OPENING FORMED BY THE REMOVAL OF A CORNER OF THE RECTANGULARLY SHAPED BODY PROTION, A SECOND OPENING FOR DISPENSING THE SAID MATERIALS FROM THE CONTAINER, AN ADHESIVE STRIP ADJACENT THE FIRST OPENING WHEREBY THE SAID OPENING MAY BE CLOSED AND THE SAID BODY PORTION MAY BE SECURED IN A FOLDED CONFIGURATION. 